Muhlenbergia pauciflora, commonly known as New Mexico Muhly, is a perennial grass that can be evergreen or semi-deciduous depending on the climate. It is native to the grasslands and open woodlands of the Southwestern United States and Mexico, where it thrives in arid and semi-arid conditions. This grass typically grows to a height of 2-4 feet (0.6-1.2 meters) and a width of 2-3 feet (0.6-0.9 meters), forming dense clumps of fine, wiry foliage. The inflorescences are delicate and airy, appearing in late summer to fall and adding a soft texture to the landscape. The flowers are not particularly showy but do provide a subtle beauty when they sway in the breeze.

New Mexico Muhly is valued for its drought tolerance and its ability to adapt to poor, rocky soils, making it an excellent choice for xeriscaping and naturalistic plantings. It is often used in mass plantings for erosion control, as an accent in dry gardens, or as a low-maintenance ground cover. This grass requires minimal care once established, needing only occasional watering during prolonged dry spells. It prefers full sun exposure and well-drained soils. While generally pest and disease-free, it can be susceptible to root rot if overwatered or planted in poorly drained soils.CC BY-SA 4.0